The Illinois General Assembly approved a 55.2 billion dollar budget, roughly 3.9% higher than this year’s budget. The increase will be paid for through a mixture of tax increases on tobacco products, large and out-of-state businesses, short-term lodging rentals, sports betting, cell phone plans, and an assortment of other “revenue enhancements.”

The tax increases are expected to bring in approximately $1.1 billion in new revenues for the state.

In addition to the tax increases, the budget calls for a number of one-time fund sweeps and diversions to pay for the ramped-up spending.

Another proposal to charge a statewide $1.50 retail delivery fee to provide additional funding to the Chicago area transit systems cleared the Senate but wasn’t taken up in the House.

Despite the setback, Chicago-area lawmakers are expected to continue to push for additional state taxes to increase public transportation funding.  There is talk that they could come back later this summer or fall to revisit the issue and pass either the retail delivery fee or an alternative tax/fee.